Coffalyser.Net™ stores its data in a Microsoft SQL Server database, which needs to be hosted on your computer or somewhere within your network. During installation and configuration of Coffalyser.Net, you are presented with a choice between a preconfigured or a non-preconfigured (also called custom) SQL Server. You may also see references to these terms in support material. This article briefly explains the differences between both options to help you choose which is best for your situation.
Preconfigured and non-preconfigured (custom) SQL Servers
Preconfigured and non-preconfigured SQL Server instances are nearly identical. The main difference is that a preconfigured SQL Server has been installed by the Configuration Wizard of Coffalyser.Net, while a non-preconfigured SQL Server has been installed in a different way (usually manually). During configuration of Coffalyser.Net, it is not necessary to supply connection details and login credentials for a preconfigured SQL Server instance, as Coffalyser.Net is already aware of this information. The Installation Manual contains instructions on how to configure Coffalyser.Net using either a preconfigured or non-preconfigured SQL Server instance. There are no functional differences when it comes to working with Coffalyser.Net and analysing data.
A preconfigured SQL Server instance is ideal when:
- Coffalyser.Net is installed on a single (personal or shared lab) computer.
- Coffalyser.Net is meant to be used by a single user or by multiple users on a single computer.
- You do not have experience with SQL Servers and have no existing SQL Server instance available.
A non-preconfigured (custom) SQL Server instance is ideal when:
- Coffalyser.Net is meant to be used cooperatively by multiple users.
- Coffalyser.Net is installed on an application server.
- You already have an SQL Server available within the network or can easily arrange one. This may benefit from existing procedures related to maintenance, scalability, data security, and backups.
- You are able to update SQL Server and make backups yourself.
- You want full control over the security of your SQL Server instance.
- You expect to generate a lot of data and need a database > 10 GB, which is not supported by the SQL Server Express edition used for preconfigured servers. In practice this is usually unnecessary except in very high-throughput situations, and the size limit can also be circumvented by creating multiple databases or by removing data after analysis.
Summary
A preconfigured SQL Server is the easiest option, and is good enough for a simple setup. A non-preconfigured SQL Server offers more flexibility, but also requires a little bit more knowledge of SQL Server.